Dansko promoted Kitty Bolinger to president, effective September 5, from EVP of sales and marketing. She brings over 36 years of footwear industry experience developing emerging and iconic brands.
Concurrently, Dansko’s CEO, Jim Fox, will transition to the newly created role of executive chairman. Fox came to Dansko in 2006 as CFO. In 2012, he transitioned Dansko to 100 percent employee ownership before succeeding Dansko’s co-founder, Mandy Cabot, as CEO in 2019.
“Jim’s was the steady, guiding hand that led us through both the transition to employee ownership and the uncertainty of the pandemic,” said Cabot, currently a director on Dansko’s Board, in a release. “We are immensely grateful to Jim for his leadership, his unwavering moral compass and his continuing commitment to Dansko.
Cabot said developing successive generations of leadership has always been a high priority at Dansko and said this transition underscores Dansko’s long-standing, deeply-held commitment to its employees and their careers.
Bolinger joined Dansko in 2010 as national sales manager and, through promotions, increased her responsibilities within the company.
“Kitty’s exceptional leadership of our sales and marketing teams, her extensive industry relationships and her passion for the Dansko brand make her the ideal president to lead Dansko into the future,” said Fox. “Kitty is committed to raising the bar on Dansko’s legendary comfort and quality, so I look forward to working with her in our new roles.”
“I am extremely grateful to the Board for their trust in me and for the opportunity to move into this role. Our leadership team is comprised of incredibly talented women who bring a myriad of experience to Dansko and are dedicated to advancing Dansko’s position as a leader in premium comfort footwear. “
Bolinger will lead Dansko’s executive team, including CFO Jamey Mullin, VP of Design Kelsey Jayne-Gomez, VP of Marketing Christina Sewell, and VP of Sourcing Susan Li.
Photo courtesy Dansko/Hazel Rogerson (Snow Peak USA, Inc.)
